CSA Czech Airlines

Throughout its 100 year history CSA Czech Airlines has had to repeatedly adapt to survive. With its roots in mail services across the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, CSA established itself in the new country of Czechoslovakia in the early part of the 20th century and evolved from a domestic and regional carrier into an international player. Following World War Two Czechoslovakia fell into the Soviet sphere of influence, resulting in CSA buying Soviet-built airliners and serving predominantly Eastern bloc destinations. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, CSA adapted once again, competing in the free-market economy. Following the peaceful division of Czechoslovakia in 1993, CSA became the flag carrier of the Czech Republic. International partnerships with Air France and Korean Airlines preceded it becoming a member of Skyteam. Under Smartwings, operations were decimated by COVID and restructuring became necessary, with just two aircraft flying until late 2024, when the CSA name was retired for good.